Brielle Bird is a 9-year-old “Wicked” super-fan. She also has stage 4 cancer.
On social media, she and her family have documented her cancer journey with candor and conviction.
“She’s been fighting stage 4 cancer for five years, she’s currently on hospice,” Bird’s mom wrote on a recent Reel posted to Instagram.
“We thought her earthly mission was over on August 16th, but here we are, still checking things off her bucket list.”
About a month ago, “Wicked” star Ariana Grande sent Bird a care package, complete with movie-related merch, nail polish and makeup, and some comfort items like plush toys.
“Thank you so, so, so, so much, Ariana Grande,” the overjoyed 9-year-old said to her camera.
Grande replied: “I've seen your videos and I think you are the most amazing, most inspiring little light beam in this universe. You're just so incredible, so thank you for being you. I'm sending you so much love and many, many, many virtual hugs. I hope this makes you smile, and I'll speak to you soon. Love you.”
She wasn’t lying.
As the release of “Wicked: For Good,” — the franchise’s grand conclusion — nears, Bird’s mom expressed how much it would mean for her daughter to see the film, unsure of whether she would be able to upon the theatrical release slotted for November 21.
“Under the circumstances, November seems so far away,” Bird’s family shared in an Instagram caption. “This dream might be silly to some, but the thought of her not being able to see this movie had me in tears at night.”
So, two months early, folks at Universal Pictures set up an exclusive screening for Bird and her family.
In an Instagram post documenting the special event, Bird is seen in a pink, Glinda-inspired dress. Walking into a Cinemark theater, she is met with an illuminated “Welcome, Brielle” sign above the theater, and she is seen picking out sweets for her siblings.
Bird also got her own goodies, sitting for the show with a big “Wicked” branded popcorn container and tumbler.
The social media post also shared that she was able to invite a handful of cousins, friends, and extended family members.
The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, wrote a comment on the post, sharing some more details about how the whole project came together.
“You are loved by so many people around the world, Brielle!! I can’t tell you how many messages I got telling us all about how amazing you are and demanding we get this movie to you,” he said.
“So the team worked all weekend to get a work-in-progress version over to you and the family,” he continued, adding that the final movie hasn’t been finished for the public yet.
“I hope you can feel the love,” Chu concluded. “You have inspired us all and changed us For Good. Sending much more love your way and hope you enjoyed the film with your cousins.”
Based on the social media post, filled with smiles from Bird and her loved ones, it’s clear she did.
“Thank you, NBC/Universal for making this an amazing experience,” Bird’s family shared. “Not only did she get to see the movie, with a drink and popcorn in hand, but they also provided her with all of the ‘Wicked’ swag.”
Although the movie’s stars — Grande and her counterpart, Cynthia Erivo — were not in attendance, they both left heartfelt messages on her Instagram page.
“We love you so,” Grande wrote, with her signature heart and bubble emojis. “Sweet, amazing girl.”
Erivo’s words of encouragement also echoed the resilience of her on-screen persona, Elphaba.
“Sweet sweet girl, thank you for spending your time with us. Your love of this movie and of us means the world,” Erivo said, later punctuating her message with two green hearts.
“I hope that we brought you a little joy. I hope that this film has made you believe you can fly … that anything is possible. We love you to the moon and back.”
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Header images courtesy of @briestrongerthancancer and Universal Pictures
